Human-Computer Interface

Human-Computer Interface

1. GUI / WIMP Interface

   • W-Windows I-Icons M-Menus P-Pointers
   • G-Graphical U-User I-Interface
   • Disadvantages
     • GUIs take up a much larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces
     • They need significantly more memory (RAM) to run than other interface types
     • They use more processing power than other types of interface
     • They can be slow for experienced programmers to use. These people often find CLI interfaces much faster to use
   • A graphical user interface (GUI) is the most common type of user interface in use today. It is a very 'friendly' way for people to interact with the computer because it makes use of pictures, graphics and icons - hence why it is called 'graphical'.
     • Adavantages
       • This type of user interface is easy to use, especially for a beginner
       • It is easy to explore and find your way around the system using a WIMP/ GUI interface
       • You do not have to learn complicated commands
       • You get the benefits of WYSIWYG
       • There are usually a reasonable 'help' system included with WIMP interfaces
       • They let you exchange data between different software applications

2. Command Line

   • Advantages
     • If the user knows the correct commands then this type of interface can be much faster than any other type of interface
     • This type of interface needs much less memory (RAM) in order to use compared to other types of user interfaces
     • A CLI does not require Windows to run
     • A low resolution, cheaper monitor can be used with this type of interface
     • This type of interface does not use as much CPU processing time as others
   • Disadvantages
     • For someone who has never used a CLI, it can be very confusing
     • Commands have to be typed precisely. If there is a spelling error the command will fail
     • There are a large number of commands which need to be learned - in the case of Unix it can be hundreds
     • You can't just guess what the instruction might be and you can't just 'have a go'.
     • If you mis-type an instruction, it is often necessary to start from scratch again
   • A Command Line Interface allows the user to interact directly with the computer system by typing in commands (instructions) into a screen

3. Menu Interface

   • Advantages
     • Extremely easy to use. Someone who has never seen the interface before can work out what to do
       • Even if you don't know what to do, you can usually guess your way around the options
     • There are no commands to learn or remember
       • Menu interfaces don't have to be visual, they can be spoken - good for telephones or for visually impaired people
       • It is fairly easy for the software programmer to create the same menus in different languages
     • Step-by-step options are given so that the user doesn't have to remember anything
     • They don't need huge amounts of processing power or memory
   • This type of interface lets you interact with a computer or device by working your way through a series of screens or menus.
   • Disadvantages
     • A poorly designed menu interface may be slow to use
       • It can be irritating if there are too many menu screens to work through - users get annoyed or bored if it takes too long
     • You often can't go to the exact place you want right at the start. You have to work your way through the menu screens even if you know where you want to get to.
     • The menu can take up a large part of the screen so you have to keep flicking back and forwards between applications

4. Touch sensitive interfaces can be found on many mobile devices such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

   • Advantages
     • Intuitive to use
     • You can see all of the options available
     • Do not need good ICT skills such as typing to be able to use
   • Disadvantages
     • Only limited options can be offered
     • Need to understand the language or the meaning of the icons
     • If the screen becomes damaged it might not pick up the touch command

5. Sound and speech interface

   • This type of interface allows the user to speak or type in their normal everyday language in order to interact with the computer.
     • Advantages
       • The user does not need to be trained in how to use the interface
       • More flexibility than a dialogue interface
       • Suitable for physically handicapped people
     • Disadvantages
       • Reliability remains an issue - the interface can only respond to commands that have been programmed
       • Not widely available as other forms of interface are often superior
       • Highly complex to program and so only warrants this kind of interface where other types of interface are unsuitable
       • A voice interface might need training in order to get the software to recognise what the user is saying

6. Biometrics means to measure and analyse characteristics to correctly identify people

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